Installing new trolling motor

FishinBuck07 · June 04, 2020, 09:16:36 AM

I purchased a 24 volt trolling motor to replace my 12 volt motor,I understand how to wire the batteries up so that they become 24 volt system. My question is what gauge wire should I run from the back of the plug receptical to the battery?

Bud Kennedy · June 04, 2020, 09:22:23 AM

Common is 6 gauge running from the battetries thru a circuit breaker (50 Amp or so) and then to your plug receptacle.

FishinBuck07 · June 04, 2020, 10:02:38 AM

Quote from: Bud Kennedy on June 04, 2020, 09:22:23 AM
Common is 6 gauge running from the battetries thru a circuit breaker (50 Amp or so) and then to your plug receptacle.

Bud thank you very much! Knew I needed the circuit breaker but wasn't sure on the wire size! Again thank you!

Bud Kennedy · June 04, 2020, 10:26:57 AM

I am curious, what trolling motor did you buy?

FishinBuck07 · June 04, 2020, 12:14:54 PM

The Motorguide X3 in 70 lb thrust. My boat still has the original Motorguide on it from the factory and it is still going strong, just wanted something with a little more power. But figured I would stick with the Motorguide because I have had good luck with the one I have on there now!

TNDiver · June 04, 2020, 02:16:28 PM

Might want to check what the manufacturer says. I can't remember but I think I originally ordered a 60 amp but manufacturer said 50 or vise-versa.

FishinBuck07 · June 04, 2020, 04:43:03 PM

Quote from: TNDiver on June 04, 2020, 02:16:28 PM
Might want to check what the manufacturer says. I can't remember but I think I originally ordered a 60 amp but manufacturer said 50 or vise-versa.

The booklet that came with it says the 50 amp is good for it but the 60 is best. I ordered a 60 amp today hoping to have it early next week.

Sixpack · June 04, 2020, 08:47:42 PM

Wally World here sells the 50 & 60 amp circuit breakers in the boat section...

Princeton_Man · June 05, 2020, 05:16:49 AM

My Stratos is rigged with 4awg. I wouldn't use anything less.

zippyduck · June 05, 2020, 04:32:42 PM

Quote from: Princeton_Man on June 05, 2020, 05:16:49 AM
My Stratos is rigged with 4awg. I wouldn't use anything less.

So is mine.

Bud Kennedy · June 05, 2020, 04:53:58 PM

My 30 yr old Ranger has 6 gauge wire but I could see that a preference of 4 gauge would not be a bad idea especially since you are gonna use a 60A breaker. I am still using 6 gauge and have not eperienced any issues and have not experienced any tripped breaker situations. Wire remains cool to the touch and the receptacle in the bow panel also remains cool. Makes me wonder is what the receptable rating is and how does it do it it sees 60Amp

Wizard · June 06, 2020, 11:56:05 AM

Don't want to hyjack this thread but Bud said something important about bass boats. Bud has a 30+ year old boat. When the 360 series Ranger was built it was the "near perfect" bass boat. It has everything needed to fish for bass. The hull design is modern and the interior design and locker layout is much as today's designs. It is possible that this boat may be on the water another 20 years. All I'm saying is you don't need a new or near new boat to enjoy fishing. Keep the boat updated... troller, electronics, etc. and the boat is fishable nearly forever.

Wizard